Is this a decent plan?

[dmacfour]

To make this as brief as possible, I have a B.S. and M.S. in Psychology (3.1 and 3.4 GPA respectively). The M.S. program emphasized Human Factors and ergonomics. I've been planning on going back to school for a couple of years, either for a send bachelors in Mechanical Engineer, for a PhD in Human Factors, or both. See the thing is, HF programs are based in both engineering departments and psychology departments. Likewise, HF jobs are open to applicants with psych and engineering backgrounds. Engineering wouldn't be completely unrelated to my existing background, and may even open up doors that psychology hasn't so far. 

 

I was hoping to stay at my job until the next application cycle, try my luck with my current GPA(s), and look for research experiences in the meantime. but then I got laid off. I don't have any academic references and I don't think the one's from my former employer are going to work anymore. It took my seven month to get a job last time, and I'm not expecting it to go different this time. I applied and got admitted to an engineering program at a nearby state school. Because I have a billion classes from my first undergrad, the degree will take two years.

I think this is a good choice for a few reasons:

1. It's an opportunity to study something I've always wanted to study.

2. It's an opportunity to get a few academic references.

3. It's an opportunity to get a better GPA. I kind of fucked around during my first undergrad. I want to do school right this time and prove that I've matured.

4. If my PhD plans fall through this cycle, I'll have an engineering degree and more job options.

5. The math courses can do nothing but help me.

I'm planning to attend classes full time until the time I (ideally) get admitted to a PhD program. If I fail to get admitted to a program next cycle, I'll finish up the engineering degree and apply again the cycle after. The only con is that it'll cost more money. 

Have any of you done something similar? How did it work out for you?

Edited February 28, 2016 by dmacfour